T-ATS(X)_presolicitation_Q A_1.docx

T-ATS(X) Q&A #1

1. QUESTION: Will the vessel engines be expected to meet EPA Tier 4 emissions, which require after-treatment? Will the vessel engines be expected to run on alternative fuel such as kerosene, bio-diesel, JP8 or JP5?

ANSWER: The Circular of Requirements addresses the emission requirements and fuel standards for diesel engines; the Circular of Requirements will be released as part of the solicitation for Industry Design Studies. In the event you still have questions regarding these requirements after the solicitation is released, please submit your questions at that point.

2. QUESTION: Are vendors that take part in Phase 1 precluded from participating in Phase 2 construction? Will there be any OCI restrictions?

ANSWER: Offerors, including subcontractors, will be not precluded from participating in the Detail Design & Construction phase; in fact, the Government encourages all Industry Design Studies participants to compete in the Detail Design & Construction phase. Organizational Conflict of Interest restrictions will apply; Offerors should take all necessary steps to ensure that the Offeror and any subcontractors avoid or mitigate any conflicts of interest. Offerors with concerns should provide the Contracting Officer with specific information about the arrangement which would cause a potential conflict of interest.

3. QUESTION: How many Phase 1 awards are planned and what is the estimated amount planned per award?

ANSWER: Multiple contracts are contemplated. The solicitation will provide further information on the contract amounts.

4. QUESTION: If the vessel is not currently ABS classed but is classed through a different IACS, is there a required notation for the design?

ANSWER: The pre-solicitation states that the vessel to be acquired will ultimately need to be classed by the American Bureau of Shipping. The specific notations that are required for the vessel are included in the Circular of Requirements which will be issued as part of the solicitation.

5. QUESTION: Will there be any unique Government contracting requirements? Will this be a classified contract awarded through a DD-254?

ANSWER: The term "unique" is vague and subject to interpretation. The Government's contracting requirements, whether they are considered unique or not by the Offeror, will be those included in the upcoming solicitation. If the Offeror has specific questions about the contracting requirements contained in the solicitation, the Offeror may submit those after the solicitation has been issued.

6. QUESTION: Will there be any Earned Value Management System requirements?

ANSWER: Earned Value Management System will not be required for the Industry Design Studies since these will be Firm-Fixed Price contracts as stated in the pre-solicitation notice. Any requirements regarding Earned Value for the Detail Design and Construction contract will be addressed in that solicitation if and when it is issued in the future.